Doing things backwards

[Springa]

Hi ppl,

I'm doing things a little backwards, as in , ive bought my first scope (i have zero experiance with astronomy) and now am asking if i bought the right one.

I did a little reading a thought a dob seemed to be the place to start. I live in country vic, 10k's from a town of 2500 ppl so im lucky that i wont have to move the thing about to find dark skies.

I ended up buying a 10 premium dob from bintel in melbourne, have i done the right thing?

springa

[vespine]

well I don't own a telescope yet but have been looking into it for the last month or so and it's a toss up between that and the 12". If you don't have to move it around you could have gone the 12 but I'm quite sure no one is going to chew you out for going the 10.

I have to say, after seeing them for the 1st time and side by side, I was actually a little surprised by how much bigger the 12 actually is. The dimensions on paper don't sound like a great deal: 250mm more length and 60mm or so diamater, but they make a quite a difference.

At the moment I'm thinking of diving in the deepend, but I'd like to hear how much you get out of the 10, i'm still debating. It's a clear night out atm, what are you doing inside!??!?

[RAJAH235]

Hi, Springa. Welcome to the 'funny farm'. You'll be very happy with the 10". Just the 'right' size to begin this fascinating hobby.
A quick word tho. When moving, better to do in 2 bits, ie; base 1st then tube. (& poss down the track, a chair. Both of these hints will save your back).
Next, you'll require something to 'find' things with, so a 'Chandler', (large version, ~$22.00), planisphere is recommended, as is a red LED torch.(saves your night vision).
You might also find that a pair of 7 x 50 binoculars come in handy.
HTH. Good luck...... L.
ps. Just in case you need an extra hand, > http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/
http://www.astrosurf.com/avl/UK_index.html

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

Yep, great choice! Congratulations!

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

[acropolite (Phil)]

Excellent choice, your reading obviously paid dividends.

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi Springa!

How did you hear about us?

The 10" dob is a great choice, and the premium model is definitely worth the extra for the crayford focuser alone.

Good luck with your learning, and keep coming back asking questions if you get stuck. Plenty of able and willing people around here to help you!

[rmcpb (Rob)]

Could not have got a better starter than that one

[xstream (John)]

Great choice Springa.
Enjoy your scope and the dark skies.

[Springa]

thanks everyone for the replies, and yeah ill be coming here for all my noob questions.

iceman i have been buying all the astro mags i can get my hands on and i picked up the lastest australian sky and telescope and read the article on the starparty, so i thought id come check it out


springa

[ving (David)]

hi springa

yup, you have a good scope there
you should have fun with said scope

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Excellent telescope Springa.
Don't forget to buy yourself a shower cap to cover the mirror end of the scope otherwise it will become home to spiders, frogs and wasps.
Welcome to the group.
Jeanette